Rakers

The term "rakers" is a historical term used to describe journalists and other writers who exposed corruption and social problems in the United States during the Progressive Era (roughly 1890s-1920s). The term was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt in a 1906 speech, drawing an analogy to the "Man with the Muck-rake" in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Roosevelt acknowledged the value of muckraking in bringing societal ills to light, but cautioned against being solely focused on the negative aspects of society.

Muckrakers investigated and reported on a wide range of issues, including political corruption, corporate malfeasance, unsafe working conditions, and poverty. Their work often appeared in popular magazines and newspapers, reaching a wide audience and sparking public debate and calls for reform.

Notable muckrakers included:

• Ida Tarbell: Known for her exposé of the Standard Oil Company, which contributed to the company's eventual breakup.
• Upton Sinclair: Author of The Jungle, a novel that exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry and led to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.
• Lincoln Steffens: Investigated and wrote about political corruption in cities across the United States.
• Jacob Riis: A photographer and journalist who documented the living conditions of the poor in New York City.
• Ray Stannard Baker: Focused on issues such as labor relations and racial discrimination.

While the Progressive Era eventually waned, the legacy of the muckrakers continues to influence investigative journalism and social activism. Their work demonstrated the power of investigative reporting to expose wrongdoing and bring about positive social change. The spirit of muckraking continues in modern journalism focused on holding institutions accountable and advocating for the public interest.